Wiener Melange Recipe

Time10m

Serves1

Make Wiener Melange Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Brew coffee
Brew 1 cup of strong coffee or prepare a double shot of espresso (about 1/2 cup equivalent). If using drip or French press, use slightly more coffee grounds than usual to achieve a robust flavor. Keep coffee hot (around 85–90°C / 185–194°F).
2
If using espresso, pour the double shot into a pre-warmed 10–12 oz cup and set aside. If using strong brewed coffee, pour 1 cup into the pre-warmed cup.
3
Stir in 1 teaspoon granulated sugar into the hot coffee until dissolved (adjust to taste). Traditional Wiener Melange is lightly sweetened.

4
Heat milk
Pour 3/4 cup whole milk (plus up to 1/4 cup extra if needed) into a milk pitcher. Heat the milk to about 60–65°C (140–149°F). Do not boil — aim for steaming temperature where small bubbles begin and surface becomes slightly glossy.
5
Texture milk
Using a steam wand: position the wand just below the surface and stretch until the milk increases in volume slightly and microfoam appears, then submerge to create velvety milk. Aim for a smooth, silky microfoam with about 1/4–1/2 inch of foam on top. If you don't have a steam wand: heat milk gently on stove or in microwave (to steaming temperature) and froth vigorously with a handheld frother or whisk until you get a creamy foam. Reserve a couple of tablespoons of thicker foam for topping.

6
Hold back the thicker foam with a spoon and slowly pour the steamed milk into the sweetened coffee/espresso, filling the cup to about three-quarters. Pour steadily to combine milk and coffee, creating a delicate milky color.
7
Spoon the reserved thick milk foam onto the top to form a rounded cap about 1/4–1/2 inch high.
8
Optional traditional finish: place 2 tablespoons of softly whipped cream on top of the foam instead of or in addition to the milk foam for a classical Wiener Melange presentation.
9
Lightly dust the foam (or whipped cream) with 1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder using a small sieve for an even, delicate sprinkle.
10
Serve immediately while hot. Provide a small spoon so the drinker can stir cream into the drink, if used.